shaving

noun

shav·​ing ˈshā-viŋ How to pronounce shaving (audio)
1
: the act of one that shaves
2
: something shaved off
wood shavings

Examples of shaving in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most shaving waivers are for troops diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae, or PFB, a condition in which hair curls back into the skin after shaving and causes irritation. Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025 Frequent nicks, ingrown hairs, dry patches, and razor burn can result when relying on shaving as your primary hair removal method — but with the proper tools and techniques, these unpleasant side effects can be avoided. Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025 The cedar fragrances in the bottles below evoke everything from pencil shavings to more abstract facets of this beloved wood. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025 On Wednesday evening in NYC, Stone, Lanthimos, and Tracy took the stage for a post-screening Q&A to chat about the film with Patti Smith, who had plenty of queries about the film’s making, including the one-take-only head-shaving. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shaving

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shaving was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shaving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shaving. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

shaving

noun
shav·​ing
ˈshā-viŋ
1
: the act of one that shaves
2
: something shaved off
wood shavings

More from Merriam-Webster on shaving

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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